Calamus oil is a lesser-known essential oil that has a variety of benefits. It is extracted from the calamus plant, native to North America. This oil has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. This blog post will discuss what is calamus oil used for and its benefits.

Let’s get started.

An Overview of Calamus Oil

Calamus draws its name from the Greek term Calamos, which means reed. Calamus aromaticus is the botanical name for the plant, also known as cinnamon sedge, myrtle sedge, myrtle grass, sweet calamus, sweet flag, sweet cane, sweet root, sweet rush, sweet sedge, and sweet sedge. The plant contains around 2% essential oil, extracted mainly from the rhizomes by steam distillation. 

The leaves occasionally make oil, although this is an uncommon occurrence. As a result, the oil is also called calamus root essential oil.

Calamus Essential Oil Uses

Ancient Uses

Calamus has been utilized in various ways as a herb. Ancient Egyptians, for example, used the plant for its aphrodisiac properties. Asians later used the roots for the same purpose. The plant has also been referenced in the Scripture. It was stated as a component of the anointing oil in Exodus. It was referred to as sweet cane’ in other text parts.

Historical Medicinal Uses

According to some estimates, Calamus has been widely used in different ways for roughly 4,000 years. The plant’s medicinal benefits are linked to its volatile oils. Calamus was regarded as a “wonder medicine” across Europe. Like a sedative or nervine, it was widely utilized. Calamus is known as the traditional medicine by the Indians. 

You may get candied calamus rhizomes overseas and in Turkey to aid with bronchial and stomach problems.

Benefits Of Calamus Essential Oil

Potentially Anti-rheumatic & Anti-Arthritic

Calamus oil has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties. The plant’s extract had both anti-rheumatic and anti-arthritic properties. This oil primarily stimulates the nerves and blood flow. It improves circulation in the affected area, lessening discomfort and inflammation associated with gout, rheumatism, and arthritis.

Antibiotic

The main calamus oil benefits is that it functions as an antibiotic and prevents biotic development because of its poisonous nature. Externally and internally, this feature can be employed to combat infections.

Anti-spasmodic

The anti-spasmodic qualities of Calamus Essential Oil are well-known. It relieves many kinds of spasms, perfect for neurotic spasms. As a result, this essential oil could be used to treat nerve illnesses and disturbances, but in relatively small dosages.

Cephalic

This essential oil provides a brain-refreshing effect (mainly, it only happens when you take a mild dosage or the brain’s impact would be devastating. It stimulates brain pathways and aids in the treatment of neurotic diseases. This oil is also used to help people think more positively.

Help in Circulatory Issues

Calamus oil can improve blood circulation and help in various circulatory issues like varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and hemorrhoids. It is known to be a natural vasodilator, which widens the blood vessels and helps in better blood flow.

Act as Nervine

The main benefits of this essential oil are related to the brain and neurological system. As a result, this oil is nervine that aids in maintaining the nervous system’s optimal health. It aids in their recovery from shock and other types of injury. It also lowers the risk of epileptic fits, hysteric episodes, and other nerve disorders.

Boosts Memory

Calamus essential oil offers memory-enhancing properties. This can be given to people who are experiencing or have had memory loss due to ageing, trauma, or other factors. This also aids in the regeneration of particular brain tissue and neuronal injury.

Act as a Stimulant

Calamus essential oil stimulates the neurological system and also the brain in general. It helps to promote alertness and stability by stimulating nerves & neurons. It also encourages various bodily activities, such as hormone secretions, blood circulation, and other functions.

Tranquilizing

A small amount of this oil can promote sleep and act as a powerful tranquilizer. Those who suffer from insomnia or sleeplessness may benefit significantly from this. This calming impact calms both the body and the mind, allowing people to have a decent night’s sleep.

Other Advantages

It could be used to cure neuralgia produced by the nearby blood vessels putting pressure on the Ninth Cranial Nerve, causing intense swelling and pain. Calamus Oil constricts blood vessels, relieving strain on the cranial nerve. Furthermore, it lowers pain sensations by having a numbing and tranquilizing impact on the brain and nerves. This oil can also be used to alleviate migraines and vertigo.

How to Apply

  • A vaporizer may be used to distribute calamus oil into the air. In the event of a vaporizer, add 3-4 drops in it and 10 drops in the case of an induction hob. When the air includes the scent of the calamus, it has several mental health advantages.
  • Apply about 3 drops of Calamus oil to 4 ml of aroma oil or base oil to the hurting region. It has anti-inflammatory properties and lowers joint redness and soreness.
  • Apply roughly 5 to 6 droplets of Calamus oil combined with fresh lavender oil to warm water. They compliment each other wonderfully. In this water, take a bath. It has a sedative effect and has a calming impact on the individual. This alleviates discomfort, such as persistent back pain. It also helps to relieve anxiety and tension.

Safety measure

  • Pregnant women should avoid taking Calamus oil completely.
  • Calamus includes a toxin known as asorone, both poisonous and carcinogenic. Because it has narcotic properties, large doses may cause convulsions or hallucinations.
  • If you consume Calamus oil orally, you may experience severe convulsions and tumors. Oral intake should thus be prohibited until under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

The Bottom Line

Calamus oil has many potential benefits, including reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and boosting cognitive performance. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects. If you’re interested in trying calamus oil, purchase it from a reputable source and dilute it properly before use.